Ellen Passwaters O'Connor of Wilmington, Delaware passed away on December 6th, 2018. Ellen was born May 22, 1937 in Wilmington to the late James W. and Margaret McGovern Passwaters.Ellen was an amazing woman who showed compassion and kindness to all she met. The kind of person she was is evident in how many friends she had, many of whom were life-long friends. Her family and friends meant so much to her and she would go above and beyond to help out another person, often putting her own needs aside.Ellen and Marty were together for 57 years of marriage. They stayed together through thick and thin, always by each others' sides. Ellen loved her family deeply, especially her grandchildren, Gaige and Lily. They brought her so much joy and she was always finding ways to make them happy, from going to see a classic movie with Gaige, to taking Lily clothes shopping. The bond she shared with her sister, Mary, and cousin, Suzanne, throughout their lifetime, sets an example of how family should always remain close and support each other.Ellen's son-in-law, Tom, was the loving thorn in her side. He always strived to make her laugh and their banter was hysterical. They loved each other dearly.Ellen was her daughter's, Suzanne, best friend. If they weren't together, they would chat on the phone several times a day about everything and anything. They told each other everything and always supported each other.She was preceded in death by her Aunt Mary McGovern Lundy and Aunt Ellen McGovern Conklin, both of whom were like second mothers. Ellen is survived by her husband, Marty; daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne (O'Connor) and Thomas Lenhard; grandchildren, Gaige and Lily; sister and brother-in-law Mary (Passwaters) and Jim Ebright; cousin, Suzanne Lundy; niece and nephew, Caryl and Brian Ebright; great nieces and nephews, Jade, Connor, Sean, Bridgit, and Megan.A visitation will be held on Monday, December 10, from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at Mealey Funeral Homes, 2509 Limestone Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.